A NETWORK of digital advocates is seeking the inclusion of cybersecurity in the curriculum for basic education.

Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo said the Department of Education should work with the National Privacy Commission so students can be taught about basic steps in securing their personal information and ensuring their safety in cyberspace.

“We encourage DepEd to also start teaching cybersecurity to students as they are among the most vulnerable in cyberspace. They are more susceptible to scams and exploitation as they are not fully aware of the risks that come along with their gadgets,” Gustilo said.

He added in the light of the latest controversy over personalized spam texts wherein personal data information is feared to have been exposed to data leak or data breach, it is high time the government took steps in ensuring the risks are known even to the younger generation.

“Now that we are using gadgets like smartphones, tablets and laptops for education, we should also teach students how to take care of their personal accounts, and how to make sure that it will not be compromised. DepEd can create a curriculum where they teach cybersecurity from the basics up to the advanced levels of cybersecurity,” Gustilo added.

He also asked government agencies and local government units distributing gadgets for the use of students to ensure the gadgets are safe from cybersecurity risks.

“LGUs and government agencies distributing the gadgets should make it a point the gadgets they are giving out to students are safe and equipped with cybersecurity apps and tool to deter risks from hacking and breach,” said Gustilo.